Selected Speeches

Speech of His Majesty King Abdullah IIBefore Muta University Graduates
Kerak, Jordan
11 June 2008

In the name of God, the Most Merciful, the Compassionate,

Dear Brothers the Graduates,Dear Brothers and Sisters,

May God grant you good health.

On this blessed day, we celebrate the graduation of this group of the homeland's chivalrous knights who today become officers in the Arab Army and security institutions and who will have the honour of practical service in work, sacrifice and giving. They will work side by side with their brothers and comrades in arms – officers and soldiers – who have dedicated their souls to the defence of this country, its security and stability.

On this day and on this occasion, I extend to the graduates of the twenty-first class, the Khalid Bin Al Walid Battalion, my greetings, along with my feelings of pride, and my sincere congratulations on their success and achievement in acquiring the knowledge, preparation and training that will enable them to perform their duties and responsibilities in the future. I would like also to extend my greetings and express my appreciation to the Muta University family, its professors, trainers and administrators, for their distinguished efforts and ceaseless giving in preparing this group of graduates and previous ones.

Dear Brothers the Graduates,

As of today, each one of you will enter the fields of honour, work and dedication, for you are the homeland's devoted soldiers. Difficulties and challenges will only enhance your determination and strength and your allegiance to the principles and goals of the Great Arab Revolt, which strove to liberate and unite the nation and defend the values of right, justice and freedom. I am confident that each and every one of you realises that the homeland's security and stability supersede all other interests and considerations. For all of us, the first priority is to protect this homeland and preserve its progress and achievements.

The armed forces is a major partner in comprehensive development, especially as it concerns training human resources, establishing productive enterprise and providing basic services of education and healthcare.

I want you and every member of the armed forces and security institutions to be assured of our keenness to support these institutions through modernisation and development, preparation and training and the provision of the latest weaponry and equipment. We are also keen to continually improve their living conditions and provide decent housing to the families of servicemen. We also owe the retirees and families of martyrs and injured military personnel their due care, attention and appreciation for their service and the sacrifices they have made for the homeland.

With the determination of the sons and daughters of the one Jordanian family, Jordan will remain an oasis of security and stability and a model of progress and prosperity. It will be able to face challenges and realise the greatest achievements.

Once again, we extend our greetings and appreciation to each officer and soldier in the Arab Army and security institutions and offer our congratulations to the graduating officers. With God's help, spirits will be high and the flag will wave high.